The Doorkeeper
It's not what you think . . .
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [elsewhere];
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psalm 84:10 (NKJV)
This verse has always intrigued me.
Why?
Consider the word “doorkeeper”. What is a doorkeeper, anyway?
A guard? A person who only lets members into the Club? That’s probably as good an explanation as any, but how is an earthly doorkeeper different from a heavenly one? In heaven, there won’t be any non-members. There won’t be anyone trying to sneak in without a pass. There won’t be any need for a weapon, either.
So, why the need for a doorkeeper in heaven? Maybe it’s more about contrasting the two ways to do life on earth.
I’d rather be a nobody in God’s House than a somebody in the house of the enemy.
We could say we have a doorkeeper at our house. Take a look.
She’s got big ears, a big bark, and big teeth. We haven’t had to utilize her as that kind of a doorkeeper . . . yet . . . but she always lets us know she’s available.
However, I don’t think God meant that kind of doorkeeper when He inspired the psalmist to pen these words. Do you?
We’d probably all agree that bad stuff is on the rise in our world. Chaos, violence, faith (of all kinds) being mocked, rising unrest right along with skyrocketing prices. We could go on and on.
But sometimes the hardest thing to take is that folks who want to do this bad stuff all the time seem to get away with it. Sometimes they have easier lives compared to the rest of us who are trying to do the right thing, raise our families, or enjoy a simple retirement.
This verse serves as a reminder to me:
The lowliest job in heaven is better than the most glamorous on earth.
I don’t know if God will hand out job application forms in heaven, but if He does, I’m applying for Doorkeeper.
How about you? I’m sure He could use more than one . . .
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Later . . .
Deb
What a lovely post, Deb. I love the analogy you used, “The lowliest job in heaven is better than the most glamorous on earth.” Nothing in this life will compare to the life God has for us. We will finally live the way He intended for us, holy and without sin. How wonderful that will be! How wonderful to think about shedding the aches and pains forever as well too! Thank you for this breath of Hope today. God bless you dear sister!
Thank you for your kind comments, Malinda. It is indeed a blessing to think about life in heaven at His feet, doing the job He gives me to do but without the struggles I go through here. To never experience sin, guilt, regret ever again . . . I cry just thinking of it.
Thank you for reading and responding. It’s a joy to see that it touched you.
Deb
Wonderful post, Deb
It reminded me of a poem by Samuel Shoemaker. A pastor once gave it to me, and I keep it in my study Bible. Here’s the link:
http://threeminutestonine.blogspot.com/2013/09/so-i-stay-near-door.html
Thanks for your posts and your message!
Thanks, Steve!
The more I think of being a doorkeeper in the house of my God, the more attractive it sounds…especially when compared to life on planet earth. However, it occurs to me that I could start that new job now …
Thanks for reading and commenting. Always a pleasure talking with you.
Deb
I read the poem. Wow, how powerful was that! Mr. Shoemaker has the right idea for sure. The visual of guiding another’s hand to the latch they can’t see is one that will stay with me for a long time.
Thanks for sharing the link.
Deb